Do you need a referral for Morton's neuroma surgery?

A referral usually starts with an assessment rather than an operation. A primary-care doctor, podiatrist, orthopaedic clinician, or sports-medicine professional can review pain between the toes, tenderness in the forefoot, and symptoms that worsen in narrow shoes. They may examine your foot and decide whether imaging or non-surgical care should come first. If surgery is being considered, the receiving specialist needs your history, examination findings, and any scan results to judge whether the procedure fits the suspected nerve problem.

Contact the surgical clinic and ask whether it accepts self-booked consultations or requires a referral letter. Also check the process attached to your health plan before booking. Bring a list of treatments already tried, medicines, allergies, previous foot problems, and the effect of pain on walking or work. A referral can be useful even when it is not compulsory because it gives the specialist clinical context and may prevent duplicate testing.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if foot pain follows a significant injury, or if the foot becomes suddenly swollen, red, hot, numb, pale, or difficult to move. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening pain, an open wound, or fever with a painful foot. These features can point to a problem needing attention beyond a suspected Morton's neuroma.

Ask: Do I need a referral for the consultation or for surgery itself? What information should the letter include? Could another condition explain my symptoms? Which non-surgical options should be tried or reviewed before an operation? What preparation, recovery support, and follow-up would be expected if surgery is recommended?